The Wild For Life Foundation hosted its First Annual Event, billed as “A Fusion of Contemporary Fashion and Compassion”. The Gala was held at British Motorcars in the affluent seaside community in Carlsbad, California. British Motorcars has been fixture in the community for over 20 years. They have a parking lot for cars and a corral for anyone who shows up with a horse.

Wild for Life Founder Katia Louise

The evening kicked off with Red carpet arrival Leo L. Chaloukian, Oscar winner and multi-Emmy award winning sound artist and former President of the Academy of Television Arts and Science. Other special guests and honorees, including Lisa Iaria, representing the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and members of the cast of “Saving America’s Horses: A nation betrayed were also present.

Designer Karlene Keller and Models

Gala attendees were treated to hors d'oeuvres and wine and a courture fashion show with philanthropic themes in the background. Sponsors were BENTLEE WEAR and the law firm of Anderson Armenta and Associates. Bentlee Wear is committed to giving back to deserving non-profit organizations such as this year's recipient, The WILD FOR LIFE FOUNDATION. THe organization was honored for its work as a grassroots volunteer based group whose mission is to save, protect and preserve wild and domestic horses. BENTLEE WEAR is committed to generously using their brand to provide exposure to the organization.

Actor Ben Bush and Tracy

“We’re excited about teaming with the Wild For Life Foundation,” said Bentlee Wear designer Matthew Brown, “I hope that everyone present will leave with an awareness of what is happening to our wild and domestic horses in America. I’m humbled to partner with WFLF to produce this event and bring this much needed awareness to Carlsbad and the surrounding communities".

Cate Crismani-Kimme Black - Bing Bush Jr.- Katia Louise

The evening opened with a presentation by international filmmaker and award winning Director/Producer, Katia Louise. Katia also holds the distinction of being the founder of The Wild for Life Foundation and for the Saving America’s Horses Initiative. She, along with Mario James, spokesperson for the documentary “Saving America’s Horses: A Nation Betrayed” presented a viewing of the trailer inviting the audience to participate in the ”Life” Auction. Celebrity autographed movie posters from Saving America's Horses by Willie Nelson, Linda Gray and Ken Wahlwere included in the auction.

Cate,who plays an integral role in the Saving America's Horses Documentary is a dedicated advocate of equine rights and is also known worldwide as the publisher of th popular True Cowboy Magazine. Cate works tirelessly as a marketing professional and writer in the equine industry to bring exposure to various equine welfare organizations. Cate is also a horse trainer and Thoroughbred owner.

Oscar Winner Leo Chaloukian

Bing Bush, Jr., is one of the most well-respected and prominent equine attorneys both nationally and internationally. Bing has done a tremendous amount of work to raise awareness within the equine community by “speaking out and urging Leaders in the Thoroughbred industry to” support the Safeguard American Food Exports Act, a Federal bill that would protect people and the horses.

Kimme Black, a Philanthropist, lifelong horsewoman and ardent champion to the equine rescue community is a longtime supporter of Saving America’s Horses and the WFLF. Kimme works in areas of science and philosophy. Her background in theatre and choreography has been useful in her ability to work with children with learning and behavioral challenges. She donates her time and pro bono services to youth in the areas of music, art, and theatre.

Katia Louise & Designer Karlene Keller

The fashion show was one of the highlights of the evenging featuring designs by celebrity designer to the stars, JONATHAN A.LOGAN. His clients include Justin Bieber, Tom Cruise, Will Smith and Brad Pitt. BENTLEE WEAR presente their casual line of children’s and women’s T-Shirts featuring the BENTLEE WEAR Logo. Award winning designer KARLENE KELLER stunned the audience with her “Chateau” line of edgy, romantic gowns.

Norma Dalke summed up with the evening as "entertaining, informative and hopefully it raised much needed funds to continue the work that is ahead of those of us who care".

“Saving America’s Horses: A Nation Betrayed” was created as an ”educational social action tool” to prompt people to engage in conservation, preservation and prevention of equine cruelty and to support the return of the wild horse and burro population. The initiative is a “central tool in a larger grassroots effort focused on saving this indigenous species for the greater good, and supporting the wildlife and natural ecosystems that depend on them.”